Catching -
Squat
Although the catcher must possess a number
of skills to be a complete player, the fact is the catcher spends most of
the game receiving the ball from the pitcher. Many young catchers don't
realize the impact of what they do behind the plate and the affect that is
has on the pitcher and the umpire. You will have an affect on the pitchers
ability to be effective. Be determined to make that influence a positive
one.
Body Position
As a catcher you will have two basic
positions from which you will receive the ball.
- No base runners
Get in a comfortable position where you will be squatting behind home
plate. This is a position that you will spend a lot of time in, so make
sure it's comfortable. Since you are catching the ball with your left
hand, you will want to position your feet so your left foot is slightly
ahead of your right foot (just an inch or two). This will shift your
body slightly to allow your left arm freedom to move without exposing
the side of your body to being hit in an unprotected area by a foul tip.
- Runner on first or second
Use the same basic position, with the difference being that you will
spread you feet out farther apart and lift your back-end up to be in a
position to quickly throw the ball.
Arm Position
Your catching arm should be slightly bent
at the elbow. Make sure you don't get your elbow positioned inside your
left knee. This will inhibit your ability to move your arm to catch the
ball.
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